FAQ for first time case modders

[PetaHertz]

Squeak: no, if I = 0, and V = 5 then V*I=0. Power drain is 0.  That's why lengths of wire don't cause a power drain.  (well, technically they do, but it's so tiny it can be ignored).

Orion: I stand corrected.

**Edit**

Though my explanation helps me remember in very simple terms to always use a resistor with an LED.

[orion]

Though my explanation helps me remember in very simple terms to always use a resistor with an LED.

That's cool.  It just doesn't describe why some people don't put in an inline resistor and still their power supplies don't explode in a blaze of glory.  If you're not driving the LED very hard, it might not push it into thermal runaway.

[MaxamusCrasious]

Though my explanation helps me remember in very simple terms to always use a resistor with an LED.

That's cool.  It just doesn't describe why some people don't put in an inline resistor and still their power supplies don't explode in a blaze of glory.  If you're not driving the LED very hard, it might not push it into thermal runaway.

wtf?

[PetaHertz]

huh?

[orion]

wtf?

Blaze of Glory = Gross Exaggeration of Effects of Short Circuit on Power Supply



I suppose I could have made it more obvious by saying something like "It doesn't decribe why some people don't put in an inline resistor and even so their power supplies don't burst from their computers and run screaming down the street."

[Alric_the_mad]

Glasses never equal eye protection (didn't learn that from case modding, but good to know anyway).

[surfyboymark]

Is the best way to a cut hole for a fan a dremel???

[GideonX]

Is the best way to a cut hole for a fan a dremel???

Or a holesaw.

[hardcase]

That's cool.  It just doesn't describe why some people don't put in an inline resistor and still their power supplies don't explode in a blaze of glory.   If you're not driving the LED very hard, it might not push it into thermal runaway.

That's only because the power source has built in current limiting, then.  And the kind of current that a non-current-limited LED will draw is relatively small compared to the power output of the typical 5V or 12V rail of a power supply.

Also, this is DC current.  The source is not driving the LED - it's a static system.  The LED simply draws as much current as Ohm's law allows.